KRA
KRA cargo seals change on 26 October: what importers and transporters must do
From 26 October 2026, KRA stops using its own electronic cargo tracking seals. Goods under customs control must use seals from one of 15 KRA-approved private vendors. Here is who is affected and what to do this week.
Biashara Pros editorial team 5 min read
Facts checked against official sources on 17 October 2026. How we check facts
Moving goods under customs control and still relying on KRA’s own tracking seals? That ends on 26 October 2026. After that date, your cargo can only be tracked with a seal from a private vendor that KRA has approved. If you have not signed up with one, your consignment can get stuck.
The short version
- What changes: KRA’s own electronic cargo seals stop working on 26 October 2026.
- What replaces them: seals from one of 15 KRA-approved private vendors. You choose the vendor and agree the price with them directly.
- What to do now: pick from the 15 approved vendors, compare two or three vendors, and sign up before 26 October.
Who this affects
If any of your goods move under customs control, this is for you:
- Importers and exporters
- Transporters and truck owners on transit routes
- Clearing and forwarding agents
- Bonded warehouse operators
- Anyone moving cross-border or transit consignments
If you only buy goods that have already been cleared and sit in a local shop or warehouse, this change does not touch you directly. Your supplier or clearing agent may still pass on the new seal cost in their price, so ask them.
What exactly is changing
Until now, KRA owned the electronic seals used under the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS). These seals track a truck or container from the port or border until the goods reach their destination, so nothing is offloaded on the way without customs knowing.
KRA has moved to what it calls a multi-vendor, user-owned model. In plain terms:
- Private firms now supply the seals. KRA approved 15 vendors.
- You pick the vendor. KRA says users are free to choose any approved vendor.
- The deal is between you and the vendor. Price, payment and service terms are a private agreement. KRA’s notice does not set a fee.
- Both dry and wet cargo are covered. Dry cargo and vehicles use e-seals, and fuel and other wet cargo use e-fuel seals. KRA says its own seals are being phased out up to 26 October 2026.
After 26 October, KRA’s notice says tracking of goods under customs control will be done only with devices supplied by approved vendors.
The 15 approved vendors
KRA’s list, as published on 11 September 2026:
- Autotronix Telematics Ltd
- Bandika IoT
- I-Spy Africa Limited
- Keshi Holdings / Leavitt Holdings (JV)
- K-Trac Telematics Ltd
- Letztalk Technologies Limited
- Nebsam Digital Solutions (K) Limited
- Oak and Gold Limited
- Quartix Telematics Ltd
- Radar Telematics Limited
- Rivercross Tracking Limited
- Safetrac Limited
- Savannah Springs Technology Limited
- Smart Watch Solutions Ltd / PIS Limited (JV)
- Track and Trace Limited
What to do this week
1. Confirm the vendor list with KRA. Use KRA’s own list, not one forwarded on social media. It is on kra.go.ke. You can also email the Cargo Monitoring Unit at [email protected], or visit them on the 13th Floor, Times Tower, Nairobi, or at any customs office.
2. Ask two or three vendors the same questions.
- What is the price per trip, or per month if you move goods often?
- How fast can you fit a seal at my port, border point or warehouse?
- Who do I call if a seal fails on the road at night?
- Do you cover wet cargo (fuel) as well as dry cargo, if I need both?
3. Tell your clearing agent which vendor you chose. Agents handle many clients. Make sure your consignments are not waiting on a seal nobody arranged.
4. Put the cost in your prices. If you sell imported goods or charge for transport, the seal is now a cost you negotiate yourself. Add it to your landed cost so it does not eat your margin.
If you need a clearing agent or transporter
The Biashara Pros business network lists clearing, forwarding and transport firms by county, for example logistics and clearing companies in Nairobi and in Nakuru. Ask any firm you hire which approved seal vendor they work with.
Other KRA cargo changes this year
Separate from the seals change, but worth knowing if you import by container: Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD). Since 3 August 2026, containerised cargo shipped to Kenya needs an ACD reference number issued through KRA’s portal (acd.kra.go.ke) before it is loaded. The number must appear on the final bill of lading. Your supplier or shipping line abroad handles the upload, so confirm with them before your goods are shipped.
Sources
- KRA public notice: Approved vendors for electronic monitoring and tracking of goods under customs control (11 September 2026)
- KRA public notice: Multi-vendor, user-owned electronic cargo tracking seals
- The Star: KRA shifts cargo tracking to private e-seal providers from October 26 (16 October 2026)
- Maersk advisory: Kenya mandatory ACD reference for imports (27 July 2026)
- Nairobi Leo: KRA unveils 15 approved vendors (11 September 2026)
This is general information, not advice for your situation. Rules and rates change with each Finance Act. Before a decision with real money at stake, confirm with a licensed accountant or advocate. Spotted something out of date? Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.